“Every party wants to provide the best possible care for those who need it, but making promises to vulnerable people that you can’t deliver is grossly irresponsible," said the Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary.

Responding to Andy Burnham’s comments on the social care system, Norman Lamb said:

“It is increasingly clear that the Government’s plans on care for the elderly are in disarray.

“Labour’s pledge on personal care at home is going to cost much more than they claim and will not provide the long-term solution people need.

“Every party wants to provide the best possible care for those who need it, but making promises to vulnerable people that you can’t deliver is grossly irresponsible.

“This issue is far too important to be used as a political football. The Liberal Democrats want to see a cross-party agreement on social care to sort this problem out once for all.”